Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch, who craves star players and refuses to let money stand in the way of being a World Series contender, agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Justin Upton on a six-year, $132.75 million contract Monday night, a person directly involved with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports.
Upton will become the third highest-paid free-agent position player this winter behind only Jason Heyward and Chris Davis.
Upton, 28, who insisted he would not accept a short-term deal this winter, wanted at least a five-year deal that would also pay him near the $23 million annual average salary that Heyward received.
Upton will receive an average annual salary of $22.125 million.